Small Business Saturday: Shopping to Help Your Community

The holiday season is upon us and the countdown to Black Friday is about to begin. Large companies are predicted to spend thousands in marketing for Black Friday and into the holiday season. With this in mind, it’s easy for locally-owned small businesses to be overlooked. That’s why there’s also a shopping holiday for small companies! Immediately following Black Friday, Small Business Saturday allows small businesses to grab the limelight and showcase their best sales and build a rapport with consumers.

Origins

Started by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday aims to “celebrate the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S.” Since then, the event has grown feverishly high with 95 million consumers taking part in supporting small businesses. Last year, an estimated 112 million customers reported shopping at small businesses on Small Business Saturday, making a 13% increase compared to 2015.

Supporting Local Commercial Ventures

Shopping at small businesses keeps some of your spent money within the community. Small businesses are more likely to go beyond writing a check to a local cause and instead may get into fundraising and volunteering with local activities. A series of studies by Civic Economics found that 48% of money transferred through purchases made at smaller businesses goes right back into the community, compared to less than 14% with chain stores. This largely helps improve schools, libraries and other public services crucial to a thriving community.

Creating Jobs

The Small Business Administration found that 28 million small businesses in America account for 54% of all sales in the country. Plus, small businesses have provided 55% of all jobs and eight million jobs since 1990. Also, 50% of the working population works at a small business. By shopping small, you are supporting your community and bringing growth and innovation to jobs.

Experience Personalized Services

Finding assistance at a chain store can be difficult; on Black Friday, it’s nearly impossible. Small businesses offer an overall better personal experience that larger chains often fail to meet. While every business is different, smaller ones are used to more personal interactions with customers. With stronger costumer service, these small businesses allow the community to build personal connections, thereby building trust and a strong network, all while keeping the economy healthy.

Find Unique Gifts and Local Artists

Major corporations have replica items that are mass-produced. That shirt you bought at the mall will be worn by hundreds or even thousands of people. Manufactured gifts lose their sentimental hold. However, at small businesses, you can find one-of-a-kind items that appeal to your specific interests. On top of unique finds, some small businesses offer products that are made locally, creating visibility to local artists in your area. By shopping small, you not only support your local economy, but local artists.

Make a Big Impact

At the Alamo EDC, we understand the value behind small businesses. With personalized services, unique gifts for our loved ones and the tremendous value that small businesses bring to our local economy, we want to assist entrepreneurs. With available incentives to get your business started, you can locate your company in an emerging city! For more information on how the Alamo EDC can help you, call 956.787.6622.